Whether you're specifying paving pedestals for a balcony, walkway, terrace or any external flooring area – it can be easy to focus on the end result. But outdoor spaces and moisture go hand in hand, and it is crucial that sufficient drainage is planned into the design from the very start.
Water pooling is not only an eyesore – it’s also a slip hazard, and left untreated, could cause damage to your surface finish and other floor components and it may even cause damage to the building.
So, how can water drainage be addressed within the design of your external floor?
Why Your Paving Pedestal Design Matters For Drainage
A key feature of specifying adjustable paving pedestals is the void created beneath the surface. This space allows rainwater to flow freely beneath your external flooring system, helping to prevent water accumulation on the finished surface.
With this in mind, a pedestal feature to look for is drainage holes in the base. These openings allow water to pass through the base rather than collecting around it, preventing pooling and promoting efficient drainage throughout the installation.
Paver Spacer Tabs Are An Essential Part Of Paving On Pedestals
For water to drain beneath the surface, it must be able to work its way through the structure. In decking applications such as timber or composite, this is relatively straightforward, as the gaps between deck boards naturally allow for effective drainage.
But for paving on pedestals, this can be a challenge. And if the gaps between pavers are too tight, you might encounter pooling.
To overcome this, the use of paver spacers, or spacer tabs, is crucial.
Versatility is key here and you shouldn’t just opt for a ‘one-size-fits-all’ spacer tab option. Instead, select a pedestal range that offers a variety of width and height spacer tabs to accommodate different shapes and styles of pavers. As well as allowing for easy drainage they will also ensure a uniform appearance.
Don’t Overlook the Perimeter When Paving on Pedestals
A major problem area for water build-up is around the edge/perimeter of the flooring – in other words, the part of the floor that connects the indoor to the outdoor space. If left, this water can begin to seep into the building, causing wall and floor damage.
Adjustable paving pedestals alone won’t combat this issue. You will require the use of accessories that have been specially designed to be used around the edges of a terrace.
Buzon’s U-EDGE is a versatile edge support that can be used with the entire range of Buzon pedestals. It creates a quick and easy solution to complete the edge of a terrace allowing for the installation of small cuts of paving (from 2 cm upwards) around the perimeter. It can be used with any size of spacer tab and all shapes of paving.
Here’s a short animation on how the U-EDGE works.
Consider Grating for The Edges of Your Paved Area
Your client may wish to go the extra mile in protecting the building façade from water splashback, particularly around door or window areas.
A grating product is a worthwhile investment in this instance, and the Buzon ALUgrate has been designed to prevent splashback from occurring.
It has a special geometry that ‘traps’ rainwater, which then falls directly onto the weatherproof membrane or insulation layer below.
Whilst its core purpose is to prevent splashback, it looks great, too, and can add that finishing touch to the edge of your decked or paved area.
Conclusion
Whatever paving pedestal or accessory you specify, you should have ‘water drainage’ factored into its design. Features to look out for are:
- A natural void
- Drainage holes in the base and head of the pedestal
- Accessories such as paver spacers and perimeter edging products
- Grating for areas near doors and windows
If you’d like to discuss your requirements further, don’t hesitate to speak to an expert by calling us on +44 (0)20 8614 0874 or emailing info@buzonuk.com.
